Wyoming Business Tips for Feb. 13-19

February 7, 2011

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming
Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a
collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Jill Kline, WSBDC associate state director

"My New Year's resolution was to start using social media in
my business, but I don't know where to start and I'm anticipating another
failed resolution; can you suggest where I begin?" Kate, Gillette

I see an underlying question here -- how can I be successful
with my resolution? I believe if this question can be answered first, then you can
establish where to begin using social media in the business.

In my opinion, resolutions go by the wayside because we fail
to plan. We make a statement of what we are going to do differently this year, but
repeatedly that's as far as it goes. We can become overwhelmed by the process
or not knowing where to begin because we don't know the real reason we are
attempting the change. A defined, beneficial purpose for the change can be a
good motivator to get your plan started.

In this case, you are looking to make a change in the way you
market your business or communicate with customers -- this can be overwhelming
especially if you are unfamiliar with social media. A change like this demands
a purpose and a plan of action. A plan of action will break the task or
resolution down into manageable parts.

There are many options available. Taking the time to develop
a plan can identify why you are venturing this direction; it can help break the
large task down into smaller, less intimidating parts. A plan will assist in
making reasonable goals and timelines, and it can identify the benefits of your
proposed actions and demonstrate that it is worth pursuing.

For example, "social media" can be broken down into various
applications (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube, etc.). Each application has a
different use or strength. Learning about each one, developing a line of
questions to compare the applications and setting a realistic timeline to
complete tasks would form a plan to help determine if one application makes
more sense than another for your business. The key to success with a New Year's
resolution is to determine the purpose and benefit. Look at the big picture,
but break it down into small, manageable tasks. These steps will allow progress
toward the identified outcome.

Small business owners can get confidential, free assistance
with developing a plan to integrate social media into a marketing plan by
contacting a local Wyoming Entrepreneur Small Business Development Center
adviser.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business
Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To
ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, e-mail wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 1000 E. University Ave.,
Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.